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CANBERRA

DISCOVER THE AUSTRALIAN STORYAustralia’s capital is home to world-class galleries, museums and attractions that share and tell the stories of the nation. See democracy in action during a tour of Australian Parliament House (and take a selfie under the massive flag on the rooftop of the building); view artefacts and objects from the country’s indigenous past to modern day for a snapshot of Australia at the National Museum of Australia; be moved by Australia’s history in war and peace time at the Australian War Memorial and see the country’s national art collection at the National Gallery of Australia. Wondered how Australia’s coins are made? Visit the Royal Australian Mint.

TOURS WITH A TWIST

Wanting to be guided around Canberra? We’ve got you covered. Marg Wade from Canberra Secrets tours will help you discover hidden gems of the city — from attractions to food. Also offering food tours is Eat Canberra who will take you on a tour of some of the best food spots. Blue Skies Adventure Tours will get you out into nature while also offering cultural tours. Other popular tour providers include Canberra Guided Tours, Classic Capital Golf Tours and Dharwra Indigenous Tours. Our museums and galleries also offer tailored tours.

A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE CAPITAL

Hot air ballooning over Canberra is definitely a bucket-list contender. If you’re looking for the ultimate experience, visit during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular in March to glimpse dozens of balloons inflating and launching from the lawns of Old Parliament House — an amazing sight. It’s a year round experience and perfect way to see this planned, modern Australian city. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a Canberra Helicopters flight over the city and surrounding mountain ranges.

SAMPLE THE REGION’S PRODUCELove coffee? You’re coming to the right city — with ONA Coffee’s Matthew Lewin holding the current Australia’s Best Barista title. The city has a great reputation for its food, wine, beer and spirit scene, with craft beer lovers well catered for the popular BentSpoke Brewing Co and Capital Brewing Co. If you’re wanting a paddock to plate experience close by a capital city, both Pialligo Estate and Poachers Pantry are the places to try. Surrounding the city is the Canberra Wine District’s boutique cool climate wine industry — with more than 30 cellar doors within a 35 minute drive of the city centre.

TOP 10 EXPERIENCES

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5 EXPLORE THE LAKELake Burley Griffin in the centre of Canberra divides the north and south of the capital. Many of the city’s iconic galleries and museums are located along the lake’s shores. You can explore the lake a number of ways: on a lake cruise aboard the MV Southern Cross, on a GoBoat picnic boat, a Stand Up Paddle board or hiring a bike or taking a bike tour with Canberra Urban Adventures. Joining a guided segway ride with Seg Glide Ride or walking around the central basin loop is a great way to take in some stunning lake scenes. ESCAPE INTO NATURE

Join the Canberra Urban Adventures’ Ride with the Roos tour to cycle through the Tidbinbilla nature sanctuary to spot native wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies and emus or join a family glamping experience with the Walk on the Wildside event presented by WildFest during the autumn and spring school holidays. See another strange but cute endangered Australian marsupial, the Bettong, in its natural surrounds in north Canberra at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. The National Zoo & Aquarium’s Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers overnight experiences with zoo animals — with some animals dens adjoining the glass wall to the guests’ bedroom!

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EXPLORE OUR WEEKEND MARKETSLive like a local and head to the local weekend markets like the Capital Region Farmers Market for fresh, regional produce — you’ll be tempted by everything from seafood to meats, fruit, vegetables and more! On a Sunday, head to the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston for produce, art, clothing and more and while there pop across to the Canberra Glassworks to see glass artists producing masterpieces straight out of the furnace. Across the year you can also attend the popular quarterly Handmade Market and also The Forage (street food event).

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EXPERIENCE THE NEARBY REGIONSCanberra is the perfect central base for exploring the surrounding region. Within a few hours’ drive, you can be in Australia’s high country exploring the Snowy Mountains, or the beautiful unspoilt coastline of the South Coast, or quaint towns and villages close to the capital. The Capital and Country Touring Route is a perfect inspiration guide to the capital’s surrounds.

10AN EVENT FOR ALL SEASONSCanberra’s signature events are timed to coincide with Canberra’s distinct seasons. Floriade, Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, is held from mid-September to mid-October each year. The free flower festival features more than one million spring blooms planted across a city park as well as children’s activities, gardening workshops and live entertainment. In autumn, the capital’s sky is dotted with hot air balloons for the Canberra Balloon Spectacular as part of the Enlighten Festival while winter in Canberra is known for the Truffle Festival, where the cold weather produces black truffle in the region, with truffle hunts, degustation dinners and cooking classes a feature of the festival.

GET A TASTE OF THE BESTFrom street food to award-winning restaurants, Canberra’s food scene is pretty amazing. Take your pick from a wide range of cuisine — there’s something to suit every taste. For a more casual dining experience check out the dining ‘eat street’ precincts of Braddon, NewActon, Kingston Foreshore and Dickson or grab some fresh local product from Canberra’s farmers markets.